Chapter 21, Problem 71A

To determine

To explain: The reason for the charged rod placed that is not discharged immediately.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Conductors are materials which allows the current to pass through it. Metals such as copper, iron, and steel are examples of good conductors. Insulators are materials which do not allow electric current to pass through it. Most of the nonmetallic solids such as wood, plastic, etc. are some of the examples for insulators.

The charged rod placed on a table maintains its charge for some time because table is a very poor conductor or it may be an insulator. Quick charge transfer takes place between the objects in contact only when both the objects are good conductors.